Barriers to employment can come in many forms, such as access to transportation, cost of education, childcare concerns, or anxiety. When these obstacles exist, it can be difficult to explore new life and career opportunities.

Career EXCELerate is a career-training program that is offered at no cost to individuals who want an opportunity to find a career pathway that will help them launch a lasting career. The program provides individualized support to participants on their journey from assessing career interests to helping secure jobs.

“People are struggling to enter the workforce, stay in the workforce or re-enter the workforce,” Kayla County, Manager of Mission Relations at Goodwill NCW said. “Together, with Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) and Rawhide Youth Services, we created what we now know as Career EXCELerate, a program that helps people obtain education and employment and stay employed in our communities.”

Jasmine is an example of someone who had a clear career goal, but the path to achieving that goal was not as obvious. She dreamed of becoming a nurse but needed the right guidance and support to get there. Jasmine learned about Career EXCELerate and decided to reach out to learn more. After a conversation with program placement specialists to gain an understanding of who Jasmine was and what her goals were, they helped her map out a plan and got her started in a CNA certification program.

Jasmine knew the program would be a great fit right from the beginning. “They believed in me more than I believed in myself, and that’s what I needed. I needed a cheerleader, and I needed guidance and a coach because it’s one thing to talk about a program you’re interested in, but it’s another when you have somebody helping you through that process and giving you the proper support,” Jasmine states.

According to Jasmine, Career EXCELerate gave her the blueprint for her career, and gave her the ideal steppingstone to get her started. She asserts that starting as a CNA was vital in her journey because she wanted to have the full nursing experience, knowing that when she becomes a nurse she will be helping to lead the CNAs.

Upon completion of her CNA certification program, Jasmine secured employment in the healthcare field and began the nursing program at FVTC. She has also been chosen as an FVTC District Ambassador for the upcoming year where she will serve as a leader and advocate on behalf of the college in raising awareness about the importance of technical education in Wisconsin.

“Career EXCELerate changed my life,” Jasmine says. “…I can clearly see my goals to get closer to my dream now. They give you resources for jobs, they help you with networking, they even help you with your resume. I think that’s the greatest part about this program – it’s endless.”